"I really like London," he told the London Evening Standard. "When I go back to France, 24 hours is enough. I like the mentality here. I have an Oyster card and can use the Tube stations without a problem. The people on the Tube are very friendly. Sometimes they ask me about the last game, sometimes they ask me if I'm really Benoit Assou-Ekotto . . . and sometimes I say no, he is my little brother!

"Or they ask me why I use the Tube and I say why not? They say it's strange because I play in the Premier League and use the Tube. It's funny to speak to people who are surprised with how you live. Not many people in football have the same attitude as me. Nobody is born with a silver spoon in their mouth. When you know where you come from, it's easier to map out where you want to go. You shouldn't forget that."